Can I cite e-commerce awards, such as the Etsy Award, in an EB-1 petition?

Yes, e-commerce awards like the Etsy Award can be cited in an EB-1 petition. They serve as supporting evidence of your professional recognition, not as a formal visa requirement.

What matters is not the award’s name itself, but how widely recognized and relevant it is in your field. A prestigious award with a rigorous selection process and meaningful impact in the industry helps build the case for extraordinary ability. A more limited recognition, on its own, tends to carry little weight and calls for additional support.

• Document the selection criteria and the level of competition involved in the award.
• Gather proof of its impact on your career and your industry.
• Pair it with other evidence, such as media coverage, publications, and reference letters.

Each case is evaluated individually by the relevant authority. It is worth reviewing the current criteria on the USCIS website and going over your full body of evidence with a specialist before filing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.